Rebecca M. Douglass, Author

Here's wishing all my readers a happy solstice. I do love to think that the days will start getting longer from here, because though I like cool weather and am loving the snow we have all over right now (not so keen on the ice that has made my street a skating rink, but hope it will go away soon), I struggle with the darkness of a northern winter. It is always kind of amazing to me that winter begins when the day length starts to grow, so maybe it's not winter, but autumn, that is hard! My street getting its coating of snow. While you are snuggled in avoiding the winter chill or summer heat (depending on your hemisphere), don't forget to take the opportunity to nab a good book, cheap, from the Smashwords Year-End Sale ! Many of my books are on sale, with a new book on extra-deep discounts each week. For this week, both Death By Adverb (Pismawallops PTA #3) and Return to Skunk Corners (Ninja Librarian #2) are 50% off!

Today I'm just giving a quick update. One story out on submission was rejected, and is ready to go out again. The novel stands at 38,600 words. After some struggles over the weekend, I had a 2400-word day on Monday, and Tuesday came close to 2K. I won't have a complete draft by the end of the month, or even before heading to the mountains in August, but I should have a significant part of one. Finally, I've been kind of neglecting the Smashwords Summer/Winter sale . It's got a few more days, and I've change a few prices, so head on over and take a look.  While we're at it, I want to remind readers that when authors--not just me, but all the writers offering books at special prices for the sale--give free books are deep discounts, we are hoping you will at the least write a review somewhere. Is it required? Of course not. But it is deeply appreciated. So much depends on reviews, so consider giving that gift if you read and enjoy our books! Today's bonus photo...

So, before I get into sharing more photos from Antarctica, you have to hear about the Smashwords Summer/Winter sale. All my books are on sale, and for this first week of July, they are 75% off, which means the ones usually 99 cents are free--a great chance to get in at the start of each series! Jump on the chance, because I'm going to reduce the percentage off each week, unless I forget (yeah, I'm not really expecting great things of myself). Find my books at my Author Page and stock up! Just missing the latest, Death By Library and The Christmas Question--but you'll find them all on sale at Smashwords! Okay, now for Antarctica #6,  Cierva Harbor Zodiac Cruise As with my last photo post, I'm offering minimal commentary. This was the next-to-last day of landings and adventures, and as you will see, weather was damp and dreary, but even under those conditions the light in Antarctica could be beautiful. Coming into the harbor in the morning. First view, an Argentine base....

I'm kicking off "Hero Month" with today's post. What is Hero Month? Just me, promoting my backlist title Halitor the Hero. Isn't that a lovely cover?  Title: Halitor the Hero Author: Rebecca M. Douglass Publication Info: 2014, 159 pages (paperback). Available in paper and all ebook formats Genre: Humorous fantasy Age Level: Middle grades (roughly age 8 or 9) and up   A Fair Maiden who breaks all the rules.   A would-be Hero who fails everything by the book.   It’ll be the adventure of a lifetime…if they survive past breakfast. Blurb: Halitor wants to be a Hero and ride through the world rescuing Princesses and Fair Maidens in distress. Too bad he tends to trip over his own feet and drop his sword when he gets excited! When his Hero apprentice-master abandons him at an inn in Loria, he resigns himself to life as a kitchen boy. But he’s reckoned without Melly, the young kitchen wench. She wants his help finding her father, and she won’t quit until she has it. Soo...

It's summer, it's Monday, and the Ninja Librarian has nothing new to say. Instead, enjoy this repost of a little Pismawallops PTA mystery, to kick off a sale on the books. For the rest of June, Death By Ice Cream will be just 99 cents for the ebook, and Death By Trombone just $2.99. Get a jump start on the series, as I contemplate returning to work on Book 3 (while Book 3 of the Ninja Librarian is with the beta readers). The Baffling Case of the Missing Socks A Minor Domestic Mystery “Mom!  I can’t find my socks!” There are few words more chilling to the heart of a mother on a schedule.  No use ignoring him, though.  I’ve known Brian almost 16 years, and he doesn’t give up. With a sigh, I hit “save” and turned from the computer to call up the stairs, “There were a dozen pairs in your sock drawer yesterday.” “I mean my new running socks.  The ones Coach brought me from Seattle.” I began the standard litany.  “Are they in your gym bag?” “No!” “Did you leave them i...